It’s been almost a year since I left my full time corporate gig and took the exhilarating leap into full time entrepreneurship. It’s been one hell of a ride so far, filled with lots of ups and downs. It’s like being on the world’s longest, highest and fastest roller coaster, it’s a ride that NEVER ends but I honestly wouldn’t trade it for anything. It’s exciting, frustrating and challenging all at once.

I remember all of the admiration and accolades I received from people when I told people what I was going to do or tell them now what I do for a living; it was overwhelming at times. All the “I’m so proud of you for doing this” or “I wish I had the guts to do that” or “You are so brave for going out on your own, I could never do that”. These are all wonderful words to hear from the people around you but they fade quickly into the background and you’re left with just your thoughts and ideas, making plans on how to take your business to the next level. I find myself often wondering: “what in the actual fuck have I just done?” And as those thoughts creep in I start thinking about what I do for a living; I get paid to do something I love! I am my own boss! I make my own hours and not to mention the freedom it affords me and those negative thoughts slowly begin to creep back out again.

It can sometimes be a looooong and lonely journey, this highway called entrepreneurship. It feels like what I imagine a junkie may feel like when they take that first hit. The highs are just incredible, like you are soaring and the sky’s the limit but the lows (which a lot of people DONT TALK ABOUT) are really low sometimes. Constantly struggling with your thoughts and insecurities and worries of how the fuck am I going to do this??

Well believe me if you don’t push through these lows and there will be many of them, it will swallow you AND your business right up like neither of you existed! The key is to keep on going and think outside the box. Try NOT to let those negative thoughts creep inside your head and take over your mind. You MUST try to remain positive at all times!

How do you do that, you may ask?? Well, you can start by surrounding yourself with the right people. People who will be there to help pick you up and offer encouragement when you are experiencing these lows. A supportive team of family, friends and mentors will be an integral part and key to your success. Don’t listen to the haters and the negative noise that may surround you from time to time, it will only drag you down.

Entrepreneurship is NOT for the faint of heart or the easily discouraged. If this is something you want, you MUST persevere and keep on keepin’ on. Don’t give up or give into those feelings of fear, don’t let them take over your mind.

The last week has been a whirlwind of excitement and hard work and I am very excited with the announcement about what’s been going on with Visuphoria Photography.

So in keeping with the theme and excitement of all the changes as of late I have decided it’s a good idea to celebrate the new look and feel of Visuphoria Photography.

How you may ask.... well I am glad you asked that question!!

We would like to extend a special introductory offer to all the beautiful ladies that love us. We are offering a $149 session fee price for the first 5 ladies that book with us!

This special price includes Hair and MU, a pre-shoot consult via telephone, posing and coaching help from me and an in person photo reveal and an in person image reveal session within 2 weeks of your photo session.

Owning a business is a lot of hard work and nobody ever said it would be easy. It’s a roller coaster ride of many ups and downs. I truly do believe if you are willing to put in the hard work, the long hours and do things right, you will definitely reap the benefits of being a full time entrepreneur.

I know in my business of photography there is an amazing community of photographers which most of them are more than willing to share “trade secrets” so to speak lending a helping hand when asked with no hesitation. One of the many wonderful and amazingly talented people I have had the pleasure of knowing and receiving help from is Crystal Mitchell from Provocateur by Crystal Mitchell. She is an incredible human being, entrepreneur, and photographer.

This has been a long time coming and has taken a lot of work in a very short period of time to actually bring it to fruition. I have to say though, seeing the hard work put in literally materialize as results you can physically see, is beyond satisfying for me. I am so proud of what I have accomplished in this short time with my business.

So I am sure you are all curious as to what this BIG announcement I have been speaking of is..... well It isn’t just one thing, there are multiple things I have been working on that have culminated in this BIG announcement.

So I would like to formally welcome you to the new Visuphoria Website! A sleek clean feel for our everyday women to feel comfortable viewing. We have also enlisted some top Album manufacturers, and lower session fees! This makes it affordable for everyone to come in and have their own session with the team of Visuphoria.

In the words of the amazing Ansel Adams... “You don’t take a photograph, you make it”. I truly do not believe that just anyone can make a photograph.

Just the language used in that phrase right there seems to be a big topic of discussion among photographers. There are some from each school of thought. Some would say that “anybody” can take a photograph and others seem to be of the mind that a photograph is “made”.

Perhaps, depending on the moment or instance, some are made and some are taken. When I think of a photograph being taken, it makes me think of a snapshot or a cell phone shot. That’s just me though. I think as professional photographers, we “make” photographs.

When talking about making a photograph, there are so many factors that go into the “making” a photograph. It’s more in depth, things like: thought, time of day, subject, camera settings, composition, post production (and perhaps one of THE MOST important things) LIGHT and LIGHTING. All of these things go into making a photograph. It is all about the photographer’s vision and that’s where it all starts, with the vision!

Regardless of how you view it or think of it, I guess it is up to the individual to interpret their idea/thought on the subject of taking or making a photograph. I was just curious as to people’s thoughts and take on it so I thought I would write it down to perhaps spark a conversation.

I just had an awesome photo experience doing a boudoir shoot with Brad from Visuphoria Photography. First off, I have to say he was very professional and made me feel really relaxed in front of the camera, as this was my first time. We had a mini consultation before meeting so Brad could give me suggestions and ideas on what to wear, and what to expect. He was excellent at guiding me through everything before we started, and his patience and expertise showed while directing the poses. I appreciated that he always made sure I was comfortable with the poses, and took the time to review the shots with me after the session. He is very prompt on following up after the shoot, and I’m beyond thrilled with the finished work. The pictures are absolutely stunning, thanks to Brads’ talent. I loved all the images, and I want to order everything! I would gladly work with him again, I had a blast, and I felt amazing doing it. I decided to do this boudoir shoot to give the pictures as a gift to my husband, and to look super sexy for him, but I think I did it more for myself too. It was a big confidence boost and very empowering for me. I felt fantastic for doing it, and would love to do it again. Every woman should have this experience. I would encourage and recommend Brad to anyone who is considering doing a boudoir shoot. Thank you Brad, for making me look and feel beautiful, and amazing!

I recently had the opportunity to shoot a boudoir shoot with Brad from Visuphoria Photography. Working with Brad was fantastic!! He was very professional and put me at ease immediately. The shoot was so fun and empowering. I got all dolled up and had my hair and make-up done professionally. I bought some lingerie that made me feel sexy. The studio we shot at was gorgeous with many different areas to shoot in. I did this because someday I will be 80 and I want to remember how I looked and how I felt. Brad captured that perfectly. The images that I have seen are gorgeous and can’t wait to see the rest!

I get asked all the time, why as a man have I chosen to shoot boudoir photography?

The common and obvious answer would be to empower women and although this is true, my personal reason is a bit deeper than this... It's because I have daughters. Many women struggle with having a positive body image and this thought process starts at a very young age.

I see young children daily getting bullied for their weight, their hair, the clothing they are wearing and so much more. This behavior is hurting young women everywhere and the moment a young person accepts the cruel words spoken, that pain tends to follow even into adulthood .

I believe that boudoir can bridge the gap and help put an end to all of this so that the generation of young ladies following behind will follow strong, confident and empowered women.

If I were to look back on the year 2017, both professionally and personally, I would have to say that overall it was a pretty fuckin’ EPIC year!

I got to see my oldest daughter graduate from high school and starting the next chapter in her life. Undoubtedly, one of the proudest moments for me as a father and I must say ranks right up there as the best of my 2017.

The year started out with me working full time at Ernst & Young but had long entertained the idea of moving on to pursue my photography business full time but at the beginning of the year, it became more of a serious consideration. I was growing tired of the corporate life. My heart and mind just weren’t in it anymore and I knew it was time to move on. Midway through the year, with the support of my wife, my kids, my family and friends, I finally decided it was time to jump ship. To my surprise, I ACTUALLY did it! I forced myself to step outside my comfort zone. This is NOT something I do! This was scary as all hell! Leave the security of the 9-5? NOT ME! The best part about it: I am still here to talk about it! I didn't break and I didn't die from it!

I had my biggest year in business selling 6 pieces of my artwork to Ernst & Young. My work to hang on the walls of their brand new building. Being able to have something I created hang on the walls of a Big 4 Accounting firm was quite an incredible feeling. As I had worked there for many years being able to leave a legacy, my legacy was just an indescribable feeling.

Another great moment for me, being featured in my friend Skip Cohen’s blog post. For those of you who have no idea who Skip is: he is first and foremost an incredible human being but he is also an amazing educator, speaker and writer who is very well known in the photography industry and I am proud to call him a friend.

Three of my boudoir images were selected to be in a magazine, which for me was an incredible accomplishment since I am new to the boudoir genre. That was definitely a highlight of my year, I am very proud.

I was awarded the Standing Ovation Award 2017 from my peers and fellow photographers in my AIBP group. The AIBP organization is the Association of International Boudoir Photographers. They are an amazingly talented group of photographers and an amazing community of people. To say I am honoured and over the moon excited is a gross understatement. Words cannot express my gratitude for this award.

Overall, I accomplished quite a bit in 2017 and am very proud of what I managed to do. I know there is a ton more work to do as an entrepreneur. There are many more challenges to overcome but I am so looking forward to taking on 2018! It’s going to be a kick ass year, I can just feel it!

I borrowed the following from a fellow photographer/friend of mine but this is how I am going to look at 2018:

Be A Fucking Wolf.Be A Fucking Lion.Take No Shit.Set Goals.Smash Them!Eat People's Faces Off.Be A Better Person.Show People Who The Fuck You Are.Never Apologize For Being Awesome.Stay The Mother Fucking Course.

In this coming year I urge all of you to do at least 1 thing that forces you outside your comfort zone. Trust me, you won't regret it. You only live once, what do you have to lose? Challenges and roller coaster rides as an entrepreneur and business owner…I say BRING IT ON! I am here and I am ready for ALL of it!!!

I can honestly say I really don’t like having my picture taken and I am sure there are quite a few photographers out there who would agree with this sentiment. I know it sounds strange, a photographer who doesn’t like being on the other side of the camera?!

For me, I am most comfortable BEHIIND the camera; I don’t like that feeling of feeling vulnerable and awkward. I don’t know how to pose or genuinely smile without having it come off looking fake.

I have been thinking about this quite a bit lately and the more I think about it, the more I see clearly that it’s quite hypocritical of me as a photographer to take that stance on getting in front of the camera. How can I possibly expect my clients to relax and feel comfortable in front of the camera if I don’t do it myself? A practice what you preach moment, if you will.

Perhaps it’s even a little bit more hypocritical for me being a boudoir photographer. I have women who are complete strangers, wearing very little clothing getting in front of my camera. I pose and light them for photographs. I talk them through the photo session. I try to help them feel relaxed and forget they are in front of a camera to make it a little less of an intimidating experience.

Now more than ever I think we male photographers need to step into our clients shoes and get in FRONT of the camera. Maybe have a female photographer shoot us in a “dudoir” session. You know, put my money where my mouth is! I have noticed a trend online over the past while that more men are doing exactly that and I think it’s amazing. It doesn’t have to be cheesy just because I am a male. It can be done very tastefully. All the images I have seen from male boudoir (dudoir) shoots were very well done.

We need to do this in order to feel and understand the vulnerability and nervousness our clients feel when they step in front of our cameras so we can HONESTLY relate and genuinely say we know how they feel.

I am challenging all my male counterparts in the industry to do exactly this! Including me! I am looking for a female photographer that is up for the task of photographing this mug of mine! Any takers????

In life friendships are very important relationships that we rely on and appreciate. Support is another key element in life, whether it be from family which let’s face it is a staple in life but support from friends and from our peers are just as important which brings me to the reason for writing this particular blog post.

I have learned over the years of being involved in the photography industry that support among photographers is a huge thing and for the most part other photographers are more than willing to lend a helping hand when they can. This is just one of the many things that make this industry so amazing and perhaps why I am so proud to be part of it. It’s a great feeling when you are able to reach out to your peers in the industry for help, just to bounce ideas off of or get feedback and not have to worry about people getting all defensive or protective and not want to share their knowledge. When we help and support each other, we ALL win. It makes everything better on the whole.

Skip Cohen is one of those people I am speaking of. He is someone I like to call a friend and has even mentored me over the years. Now I haven’t known him that long but in the few years I have known him, he has always offered advice, opinions and help whenever I have reached out. I know he is just a phone call, email or Facebook message away if I have questions or need some guidance and he has told me as much. This kind of support is invaluable and this type of thing is a big part of why I think this industry is so incredible.

Skip is a big part of why this industry is so great. He is a pillar in the photography industry and has been involved in it for years. He is an educator, a marketing guru and back in 2013 he launched Skip Cohen University - to help educate photographers from all over the world.

It’s really quite interesting and funny at the same time because just about a week or so ago I was reading one of Skip’s blog posts and it was one which was guest written by Jenn Bruno Smith a fellow photographer in the industry. I was thinking to myself: I wonder if Skip will ever ask me to guest write a post for him or do a blog post/feature on me someday? Well, much to my surprise and excitement, I received a message from Skip about a week and a half later asking if I would be ok with him doing a feature blog post on me on his website (article found here) To say I was excited would be the understatement of the year! Of course I was thrilled at the chance to be featured on his website. I thought: “wow, ME, featured on Skip Cohen’s website, what an honour” and I was incredibly flattered that he asked. Of course I said YES!!! Without any hesitation at all.

So for all you photographers out there, whether just starting out or seasoned veterans: you have an entire industry of people you can lean on or reach out to for help along the way. Don’t hesitate! Take advantage of your network of peers, and believe me you will be pleasantly surprised by the level of professionalism and help you will receive. THAT is just one of the many reasons I am proud to say I am part of this amazing community that is, Photography!

I would like to preface this post by telling you this one was guest written by my amazing and incredibly talented make up artist Maddy McGhee aka "madeupbymads" Please show her some love and check out her work and talent by clicking on the hyperlinks below.

"The worst part about having my makeup done by some else is walking away and never looking like myself. However getting your makeup done to highlight your natural beauty can be an eye opening, wonderful experience! Between work/school/kids it's hard to always get in the time for yourself let alone your makeup - that's why sometimes doing something like a boudoir shoot where it's all about you is super fun! Makeup doesn't have to take over the shoot but just makes you shine and adds to the day. You don't wear makeup or a lot of makeup on a regular basis? No problem! I'm a big believer in using makeup to enhance the beauty that's there rather than covering so each application is light and natural but still adding that special something something! It can be an intimidating experience but also an empowering one and that's how I feel about makeup! You just have to find what is right for you and your look. The polished look finished off with a professional photographer can make moments last forever (ones that you don't want to crop yourself out of...) Can't wait to work with you! Maddy from @madeupbymads Check out more of my work on Instagram/YouTube/Facebook @madeupbymads "

Growing up as a kid, my dad bestowed a lot of wisdom unto me with his little one-liners and pithy anecdotes. Now, there were quite a few of them but one in particular really stood out for me: “Don’t ever burn your bridges”

For the past month or so, I have been on an emotional rollercoaster; a veritable whirlwind all rolled up into one for me. I quit my full time corporate job after 12 ½ years with the same company to pursue my passion, my love of photography. Scary as hell but I have a great support system in place in my family, my friends and my former colleagues, which to be honest I didn’t fully expect but it has been an incredibly pleasant surprise.

It wasn’t that I expected people to be pissed off with me or not be happy for me but I didn’t expect them to be as supportive as they have been, and it has been amazing to say the least. When I handed in my resignation, my boss said he knew this was coming and he was one of the most supportive people out of everybody. He was totally 100% happy for me, unhappy to see me go but in my corner and wanted to help in any way he could. He helped in more ways than one and I am incredibly appreciative for his help.

It’s a little embarrassing to admit but I was a little taken aback by the offers of help from the different people at work. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate it ALL, more than words could ever express! It was just a little unexpected. The outpouring of support from people was incredibly supportive and kind. It made me a little emotional reading some of them to be honest but moreover it made me feel especially good and supported.

I had partners at the firm approaching me and calling me to wish me luck in my future endeavours, asking for my contact info and offering their help. I even had one partner from the firm tell me to USE the network I have built there, ask for help. More often than not, people are willing to help out, you just have to ask!

I spent a lot of years at my job, met and worked with a lot of amazing people. I made a lot of friends and forged some great relationships. So the “old man” was on to something. You should never ever burn your bridges. It’s always good to keep your relationships in good standing because you never know when you might need help from someone. Thanks for the words of advice Dad, they certainly came in handy!

You know, it always makes me laugh when I talk to people about being a full time photographer. The common response is: “ohhhh it’s so tough out there. There are so many photographers out there, so much competition”.

That same argument about competition could be used with musicians, artists, hockey players, hell just about anything really! Could you imagine if everyone followed and believed in that logic? It’s a pretty bleak way to look at things in my opinion.

Firstly, I am NOT in competition with anybody other than MYSELF. Secondly, there is more than enough work to go around for all of the photographers out there. Thirdly, and I believe this to be one of the most important things, you MUST set yourself apart from all the other photographers out there, PLAIN and SIMPLE. This will help you attract clients. Whether it’s through your style or your customer service, you should use everything at your disposal to your advantage. There is only one YOU!

You should only be competing with yourself! This way, you are constantly pushing yourself to improve, to be better at whatever it is you are doing. So don’t listen to the noise in your ears, ignore it and do your thing! Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing, that’s a waste of time!! Focus on being the BEST YOU!

Having my photos taken by Brad was a fun & fabulous experience. He is a very professional photographer and showed he knew what he was doing on site of the photo shoot and he didn't fail to communicate the progress of the photos after wards. He got back to me with completed photos in a short amount of time along with the outcome of the completed photos being outstanding and showing clear talent in his work. I wouldn't hesitate to have Brad as a photographer for any occasion!

Well, I have finally done what I have been talking and thinking about for well over a year now. I jumped from the comfort of my full time corporate job to go full time with my photography business. It was incredibly exciting, invigorating and insanely nerve wracking ALL at the same time.

I mean I thought it was going to be a bit easier than it had been in terms of actually jumping but holy shit was I wrong. I didn’t think for a second that it was going to be easy but I feel like I have been on the highest, longest, steepest most twisty loop de loop roller coaster in the world and let me tell you, I HATE roller coasters with a passion. That should give you some insight as to how I was feeling leading up to my final day at Ernst & Young. I know these feelings are normal and there were many who came before me who have been through it and there will be many after me who go through the same thing.

I knew I was going to be giving up the proverbial security blanket. Losing the comfort of my corporate job and a regular pay check were playing with both my head and guts almost every morning but I knew I couldn’t give into those fears and voices.

I have looked really hard at why the fears and voices kept creeping in from time to time. I know they will creep again and again over the course of running my business. Fear of the unknown at the root of all this internal turmoil. As my last day approached, which changed 3 times before it actually happened, each and every time that day drew closer my fears grew and the voices in the back of my mind got louder and louder. I knew that I couldn’t let them drown out the excitement and the other voice that kept telling me I have to do this! I have to move on from my current situation! It’s the only way for me to step outside my comfort zone and challenge myself.

I have to admit, if it weren’t for the support of my incredible wife, none of this would have even been possible. She is 100% in support of me pursuing this crazy dream of mine so I owe a lot to her and I am eternally grateful. She talked me off the ledge countless times when that fear took over. She pushed me out of my comfort zone so I knew it was what needed to be done!

I have been self-employed for just over a week now and let me tell you, it feels incredible. That last day was rough; handing in my laptop, my company credit card and my security badge for the place I spent ¼ of my life. It was a bittersweet feeling I tell you, I had forged many relationships there so it wasn’t easy but it felt like a huge weight had been lifted from my shoulders when I woke up that next morning. Rolling out of bed, realizing I didn’t have to go back downtown again and that I was going to be the master of MY own destiny now. I am totally in control!! Coming to that realization was an incredible feeling.

I am really looking forward to writing this next chapter in the book of MY LIFE, it is going to be exciting and challenging but something tells me it’s going to be better than the last.

If you ever get the chance to do something special for yourself....get Boudoir photos taken of yourself by Brad Walsh!! Although it may seem like a frightening thing to do for some, Brad's professional manner made me feel comfortable and by the end of the shoot posing became effortless. I am more than pleased with the amazing photos that Brad had captured through his lens. His eye for detail and emotion made the sometimes uncomfortable poses all worthwhile. Do yourself a favor....book a session with Brad and you'll find out it was worth every penny and you'll ask yourself "why didn't I do this sooner?"

In the words of Steve Harvey, “if you want to be successful, you have to jump”. A very good friend of mine shared a video clip with me a few months back. This video clip is of Steve Harvey standing in a parking garage talking about the dangers of not taking a leap of faith and not going after what you want in life. It’s a very raw, very minimal video about 2 minutes in length but it really resonated with me on a level I cannot even begin to describe to you in words. I have watched this clip about 30 times since the first viewing and I love it more and more every time I watch it.

The concept is so simple yet it’s not something that is simple to do and let’s be honest, not a lot of people actually follow through and do what he is speaking about in that clip. The follow through is much harder than the idea but as my Dad used to tell me when I was growing up, “nothing ventured, nothing gained”. I often wonder if my Dad would feel that way once I tell him that I am going to be doing just that! I guess I will find out soon enough as the time draws near.

Nothing will change my mind or my way of thinking about it because I do believe we have to do what we have to do! Forge our own paths in this life. Sometimes you just have to say “FUCK IT”! I have grown tired of dreaming and whishing my weeks away just to get to that glorious 2 day reprieve from the preceding 5 day personal hell.

The time for change is NOW! Albeit scary as anything but if I don’t do this now, then when? When is the right or perfect time? I have learned there is never one. So as the saying goes, it’s now or never or as my wife says to me “shit or get off the pot” See you on the other side folks!

Before working with Brad, I didn't know what to expect from our session. I had never done a boudoir shoot before and I was nervous. Brad quickly put my worries to rest! He was extremely professional as a photographer, but also very encouraging and attuned to what would make me feel the most comfortable during our shoot. Not only was this one of the MOST empowering things I've ever done, but Brad also made me look GORGEOUS in every shot, AND I have the AMAZING pictures to prove it (which have now turned in to a book as an anniversary gift to my husband). I recommend a shoot with Brad to ALL my girlfriends and to every woman I know!

I recently had the opportunity to work with Brad on a boudoir shoot for his portfolio. Having never done any kind of boudoir photography, I definitely had my hesitations (and excitement) going in, but Brad has a comfort and confidence that really put me at ease. You can tell just by his excitement for setting up his equipment that he loves what he does. During the shoot he gives positive and helpful direction and encouragement. My hesitations slipped away and I became very comfortable in the space and with Brad. The shots he took are all beautiful. He always asked what I wanted in the shots and included what he needed based on my comfort. Being lucky enough to work with Brad, I can say that you will have someone listen to what you want and deliver what you are looking for.

This past weekend I had the pleasure of exhibiting at a women’s expo for the first time as a Boudoir Photographer and I must say it was quite an experience. Being one of the very few men in a room full of women was an amazing thing. The event was called Girls Day Out and was held in Vaughan Ontario and that’s exactly what it was, just an afternoon out for the ladies.

It was a relatively small event, perhaps 20 vendors and a couple of women speakers. One of which was my business partner and author of the book Brave Ecstatic Woman, Merav Richter. There was also a fashion show and then of course time to mill around the room and peruse the products vendors were selling. I would say there were about 75 – 100 people there, many of whom were parents of the children and teens that were participating in the fashion show but all in all considering the venue and the publicity surrounding the event it was a fairly well attended event.

Among the good number of women that came by my booth, I noticed a common thread among some of them: that they needed to lose weight before booking a session with me. Now to me, that is just horribly sad to think that way. ALL women are beautiful and come in ALL shapes and sizes. I honestly at the moment didn’t have a proper response to that except for telling the women that is NOT necessary at all, you look wonderful the way you are. Upon some reflection and speaking with a couple of women, I managed to craft an appropriate response albeit a little too late for that event but I know now what to say the next time I hear those words from a woman who is contemplating a boudoir session with me. I can just tell them, you are perfect just the way you are now. If you wait to do things until “YOU” feel you are the "perfect" weight etc., you will never do them. Women are very hard on themselves. You should celebrate who YOU are right now.

I think we as boudoir photographers have an amazing opportunity to help change that mindset but not just within the photography industry. I think, we owe it to one another to flip that way of thinking upside down. In fact, we need to eradicate it completely. There is no need for women or men to feel they need to lose some weight before they can do a photoshoot or anything else for that matter. Embrace who you are and how you look NOW and celebrate it.